Malawi Electoral Commission Permits Media to Publish Unofficial Results, Confirms Counting Process Ongoing.
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has permitted the media to begin airing unofficial results from the 2025 General Elections, provided they first verify the information with MEC officials.
Speaking during the fourth press briefing of the day, MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja said the Commission values transparency and accountability, hence authorising media outlets to publish unofficial results only after proper verification with MEC officials.
“MEC is allowing media houses to air unofficial results they have gathered so far, but they must ensure such figures are verified with Commission officials before being made public,” said MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja.
Mtalimanja further confirmed that all polling stations across the country were officially closed by 8 p.m.
The Chairperson assured the nation that vote counting will proceed uninterrupted until every ballot is processed, stressing that the law requires all votes to be counted before results are transmitted and officially declared by the Commission.
“According to election laws, the counting of votes must continue until all the ballots are completed, and the process must be thorough and transparent to maintain credibility and public trust,” she explained.
On the role of monitors, Mtalimanja said they are permitted to escort results to the constituency tally centre but under strict guidelines.
She stressed that their role is limited to escorting officers to tally centres without entering inside the facilities. “Monitors may escort presiding officers to the tally centre, but they must use their own transportation, and once there, they will not be allowed inside the tally centre,” she clarified.
She also warned that a refusal by party representatives to sign result sheets does not affect results.
She urged political actors to follow established procedures when contesting or registering complaints during the electoral process. “Let me make it clear that refusal by any monitor to sign the result sheets will not invalidate the results. Concerns must be raised through formal complaint channels at polling stations or tally centres,” said Mtalimanja.
Meanwhile, the Commission reported a fire incident at Manja Primary School polling station in Blantyre.
The accident was caused by a leaking gas lamp, but authorities confirmed no injuries or damage to election materials were registered. “At around 4:50 p.m., a gas lamp burst into flames during preparations for counting.
Fortunately, no one was injured and all polling materials remain intact,” Mtalimanja disclosed. She added that vote counting was relocated to another room within the school premises to ensure continuity.
She reassured voters and stakeholders that the fire incident had no impact on the ongoing electoral process.
“Counting is continuing in another room at the same school, and the process has not been disrupted with no injuries,” she assured. On the Yembe Ward dispute, the Commission said investigations into irregularities in the local government elections are progressing.
MEC indicated that the inquiry is at an advanced stage and outcomes will be communicated accordingly.
“The investigation is at an advanced stage, and once completed, candidates, voters, and stakeholders will be informed of the outcome and its implications,” Mtalimanja said.
The MEC Chairperson was accompanied at the briefing by Malawi Police Service Inspector General Merlyne Yolamu, Malawi Defence Force Commander General Paul Valentino Phiri, and other MEC Commissioners.
